THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS - Chapter 11 - Verse 20

Verse 20. Well. True. It is true they were broken off; but in order
to show that there was no occasion for boasting, he adds that they
were not rejected in order to admit others, but because of their
unbelief, and that their fate should have a salutary impression on
those who had no occasion for boasting, but who might be rejected
for the same cause. This is an instance of remarkable tact and
delicacy in an argument, admitting the main force of the remark,
but giving it a slight change in accordance with the truth, so as to
parry its force, and give it a practical bearing on the very point
which he wished to enforce.

Thou standest by faith. The continuance of these mercies to you
depends on your fidelity. If you are faithful, they will be preserved;
if, like the Jews, you become unbelieving and unfruitful, like them you
will be also rejected. This fact should repress boasting, and excite to
anxiety and caution.

Be not highminded. Do not be elated in the conception of your
privileges, so as to produce vain self-confidence and boasting.

But fear. This fear stands opposed to the spirit of boasting
and self-confidence, against which he was exhorting them. It
does not mean terror or horror, but it denotes humility,
watchfulness, and solicitude to abide in the faith. Do not be haughty
and high-minded against the Jew, who has been east off, but "demean
yourself as a humble believer, and one who has need to be continually on
his guard, and to fear lest he may fall through unbelief, and be cast
off." (Stuart.) We may here learn,

(1.) that there is danger lest those who are raised to eminent
privileges should become unduly exalted in their own estimation, and
despise others.

(2.) The tendency of faith is to promote humility, and a sense of
our dependence on God.

(3.) The system of salvation by faith produces that solicitude, and
careful guarding and watchfulness, which is necessary to preserve us
from apostasy and ruin.